may 2024 - Wanderlogue

05.2024

It’s finally May. Which means, it’s practically summer. Still drunk on the joys of a foray in Mexico, and a month full of art, culture and an annual trip to the other coast for a weekend of community and connection. And of course, when in LA, visiting old favorites and discovering new gems. Catching up with familiar faces and getting to know some new ones. And upon returning to NYC, a shift in attitude and pace that comes with the beginning of summer. The onslaught of emails starts to slow down slightly. MDW hits and we know it’s time to bask in the sun.

heritage month happenings

May is always heavily programmed for the AANHPI community. Summits and conferences, banquets and galas. It evolves each year but one thing is constant: the food will always hit. This year featured some favorites: Win Son scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches. Saigon Social lunch boxes. A special dinner curated by Semma.

current obsession: albertine

A fairy tale french bookstore in an elegant mansion on the Upper East Side that transports you back to childhood imagination.

culture fix

I have so many questions about this album and yet after giving it a fair shot, the questions remain.

The first season where I actually didn’t hate the main couple.

Really invested in this Kendrick Drake beef.

Another trip back to the Met. For the costume institute exhibition, yes, but also just because there’s never not a good time to visit the Met. The exhibition itself was crowded as people shuffled through the tight space, making me fantasize about the private tour from a couple years ago.

NEW FIND: cornwell coffee hall

A beautiful coffee shop and working space that makes for an excellent work remote backdrop. But of course Tiktok discovered it so it is already pretty packed.

good bites: old & new in la

Another trip across the country and a round up of old and new bites:

Above: the prettiest breakfast spread in the prettiest setting at Hotel Per La.

Below:

1. Lasung House: a new Korean restaurant on Olympic Blvd that specializes in showstopping giant pork cutlets. The menu is tight: katsu with or without curry. Equally large bowls of cold noodles. This one is a hit.

2. Toranj: catching up with an old friend in old stomping grounds. Persian food in Westwood continues to be a reliable choice.

3. Pine & Crane: the downtown location’s random spot means ample seating and a perfect weekday breakfast stop.

4. Pasta e Pasta by Allegro: this Little Tokyo spot is one that I have been meaning to go to for years. The Japanese Italian cuisine and cozy environment makes it feel like you’re in Tokyo, not a strip mall in Little Tokyo.

5. Pho Filet 2: another no-frills Vietnamese spot with a lengthy menu and homey food for lunch on a warm day.

6. Artelice: continues to be one of the best patisseries in the city. And even when the block of Sawtelle has transformed to become unrecognizable, Artelice stays true. And I’ll always come back if I end up on this side of the 405.

DRINKS EDIT

YoTea: one of many SGV drink shops, with lots of refreshing fruit-forward options.

6xs: honestly, a low key hit, with great drink specials.

Mi Cafe: coffees and matchas at Ktown standards.

Alfred: at this point, I come for the FYC sleeves.

LA Cafes

Tea Master: a must stop matcha every damn time.

Mi Cafe: a new Koreatown find, complete with ample seating inside and outside, and a fantasy of being back in a city where this life is feasible.

Kitsune: both coasts, and this one on the best part of Sunset Blvd.

Canyon Coffee: would be in my regular rotation if I lived in LA.

DAY TRIP

I’ll never say no to a day in Beacon. The easiest itinerary. Train up. Art immersion at Dia. Donut and coffee at Glazed Over. Shopping along Main Street before a lunch at Beacon Bread Company and a train ride back home.